English Language Learners and Bilingual Education

The Appleton Area School District serves approximately 1,640 students in its English Language Learning program. Currently, there are over 49 different languages spoken in our schools with the majority of the non-English speaking students being Hmong and Spanish.

The ELL program works directly with students at thirteen elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools.

At all grade levels, the program utilizes a variety of instructional approaches to teach English. Students may receive more intensive, small group instruction with their ELL teacher in their classroom or through pull-out services. These services will focus on the development of English through content area instruction. Particular attention is paid to the development of academic literacy skills in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

At the middle school and high school levels, some students also receive instruction in science, social studies, and math in a sheltered class environment where the instructor adapts traditional approaches to teaching and incorporates methods to support English language learners.

Our bilingual staff also provides important native language support to students in order to enhance academic progress as students learn English. We have about 40 teachers (some full-time, a few part-time) and about 35 interpreters, K-12.

Participation in the program is voluntary and requires parent or guardian permission. Students are assessed annually to determine their progress in the English language. Their exit from the program is dependent upon the results of the language assessments and classroom performance.

Partial funding for the ELL and Bilingual Education program comes from Federal and State funding sources. The Federal government also offers additional funding for English Language Learners under Title III. The District has applied for and received these funds in order to supplement its local program.

Mission Statement

The overall mission of the ELL and Bilingual Education program is for students to attain English language proficiency, develop high levels of academic achievement in English, and meet the same challenging state academic standards that all children are expected to meet.